Stop Spots

Some acne scars are merely spots that look like conventional scars but they are often not permanent. Still when you have them on your face they can be a source of embarrassment when they are visible.

Types of Acne Scarring

Flat reddish spots are the end product of lesions caused by acne and these are called macules. This macule may stay and mark your face for as long as six months. Once it disappears, there will be no remainder of the spot unlike a true scar.

When there is discoloration at the site of a lesion caused by acne it is commonly referred to as post inflammatory pigmentation. Those that have a darker complexion often suffer with this as compared to those with a lighter complexion. If you seek treatment from a dermatologist it can minimize your developing post inflammatory pigmentation. This type of acne scarring can last for as long as 18 months particularly if you expose your skin to excessive sun. There are chemical peels that can help to quickly dissipate post inflammatory pigmentation.

Why Acne Scars Occur

Scars almost always form whenever there is an injury or damage to skin tissue. They are the reminders of not only the injury but the repair of the tissue. Acne scars are caused by an injury to the response of the body’s inflammation to sebum, which are the bacteria along with cells that have died that are plugged in the sebaceous follicle. Two types of common scars from acne exist and they can look like keloids which are raised tissue that is thickened or may have the appearance of a scar caused by an ice pick.

Whenever your skin tissue suffers with an injury your body sends its repair kit to the afflicted site. This may include white blood cells along with an array of molecules that are inflammatory. It is their job to repair tissue and to fight any infection that may be present. Though they may be good at their job they are not the neatest repair system and can leave eroded tissue or fibrous scar tissue.

Why Some People Carry Acne Scars Longer than Others

It is not completely understood why some people have to bear acne scars for their lifetime with little or no change in the scar’s appearance. Others are lucky enough to undergo some remodeling of the skin and their scars caused by acne can actually diminish in their size.

Acne scars can also have different psychological effects on people. Some may think that their acne scars are hideous and are truly aware of them while others take it with a grain of salt. There are various cosmetic treatments that can minimize or completely eradicate any scars that are caused by acne but they can be quite expensive and intrusive.

The best way to avoid scarring due to acne is to practice preventive care in the form of a good skin care routine that will keep skin hydrated as well as clean. If you can prevent inflammation you have a better chance of avoiding scars that can result from adult acne.